Are Cheez-Its Bad For You?
Also Known As: Cheez-It Baked Snack Crackers
Short answer
Cheez-Its are incredibly bad for you and should be avoided. Like many other processed snacks, they can have very negative long-term consequences.
Recommended Alternative
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
While not as bad for you as some other quick-fix snacks, Cheez-Its are still not to be considered a healthy choice by any stretch of the imagination. First is the fact that a box of Cheez-Its is virtually devoid of any nutritional benefits, containing only trace amounts of any essential vitamins and minerals. Cheez-Its also contain little to no fiber and protein. One serving is equivalent to 27 crackers. In just that one serving, there are 150 calories, 8 grams of fat (2 grams from saturated fat), and 230 mg of sodium. However, Cheez-Its are a snack - and quite often a comfort food. Do you eat just one serving of Cheeze-Its (more or less a handful)? It's probably best to think in terms of consuming half a box. Considering that there are 9 servings per box, we will multiply the values by 4.5 to get 675 calories, 36 grams of fat (9 grams saturated fat), and 1,035 mg of sodium. This means that just half a box of Cheez-Its contains nearly half of the RDA for calories and sodium. Furthermore, 9 grams of saturated fat amounts to nearly 70% of the daily limit. Eating a full box will put you over that limit.
There are other dangers associated with Cheez-Its as well. For one, Cheez-Its contain a chemical known as TBHQ, or tertiary butylhydryoquinone. A petroleum derivative used to help make the food last longer, the FDA says it cannot exceed 0.02% of the fat and oil content and that death has been known to occur from just 5 grams of ingestion. Furthermore, having just 1 gram of TBHQ can cause side effects including dizziness, nausea, and delirium. Additionally, Cheez-Its contain MSG. This, combined with its high sodium content, can induce overeating and contribute towards weight gain, putting you at risk for diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Cheez-Its do not have any nutritional value whatsoever. Any benefit (such as good flavor) is purely subjective. It is best to avoid this food completely or eat only once in a blue moon.
Possible short-term side effects
- nausea
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headache
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dizziness
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delirium
Possible long-term side effects
- weight gain
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heart disease
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diabetes
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stroke
Ingredients to be aware of
Healthier alternatives
Team-Picked Alternative
(what is this?)
Annie's Cheddar Bunnies
- Organic ingredients
- Real cheddar flavor
- Baked, not fried
- No artificial additives
Learn More!
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 01-01-2016
Last updated: 11-29-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 01-01-2016
Last updated: 11-29-2023
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